Preparation for removing hair from the body



Patented June 4, 1940 PREPARATION FOR REMOVING HAIR FROM THE BODY

Martha E. Buff, New York, N. Y.

No Drawing. Application January 26, 1937, Serial No. 122,365

2 Claims.

The present invention relates to preparations for removing superfluous hair from the-body and comprises a novel product of this nature which is convenient to use, is harmless to the skin and 5 which is more effective than preparations of this class now on the market. The invention also includes a novel method of removing hair from the body.

Two general types of depilatories are now in use. One type, which is in paste form, dissolves or disintegrates the hair at the surface of the skin by the action of chemicals, usually sulphides, on the hair. The other type, which is in the form of cakes or sticks, removes the hair by pulling it out; the solid cakes or sticks being first melted by heat and then applied to the skin. The paste depilatories which disintegrate the hair are ob.- jectionable in that they have a disagreeable odor, are injurious to the skin when used repeatedly and, because removing the hair at the surface of the skin only, do not prevent the stubbly regrowth characteristic of shaving. The cake or stick de-.

pilatories, on the other hand, are objectionable in that they all require preliminary heating before use and their application while still hot. The heat irritates the skin and often the skin is burned because of too hot an application. The preparation of the present invention obviates the difficulties of both types of depilatories above briefly described.

The new depilatory preferably contains rosin, beeswax and mineral oil in the following proportions:

Ounces 10 Any suitable perfume may be added to give the composition a pleasant odor. In preparing the product, the rosin is first melted in the oil and then the wax in small pieces is gradually added to the heated mixture. Upon cooling, the mass is of the consistency of a smooth paste. When not perfumed it is practically odorless. It has been found that the paste does not harden or become lumpy but will retain its consistency practically indefinitely.

In using the depilatory, it is spread in a thin layer over a piece of cloth of sufficient size to cover the area of the skin where the hair is to be removed. The cloth should be relatively thin and somewhat stiff and preferably waterproof. The cloth is then firmly applied over the skin 56 where the hair is to be removed with the coated side of the cloth against the skin. A piece of ice is then held against the uncoated surface of the cloth, and in case the ice is not large enough to cover the entire surface, it may be firmly rubbed over the surface. Upon the skin becoming thoroughly chilled through the cloth, which usually takes about one minute, one end of the cloth is grasped in the fingers and the cloth quickly pulled or ripped from the skin.

It has been found that upon thus removing the 10 strip from the skin, all of the hairs covered by the coated portion of the strip are cleanly pulled out by the roots without breaking and this is done without appreciable pain or irritation of the skin. Upon examining the coated strip the hairs 15 removed are found to be thoroughly embedded in the depilatory coating.

While as above stated, the composition does not appear to harden appreciably when in a mass, such as in a jar or tube, the application of the 20 ice to the strip after the coated strip has been applied to the skin causes the thin coating to become sufficiently hard and tackyto firmly grip the hairs. Also owing to the soft pasty condition of the depilatory when applied the hairs easily 25 become embedded in it so that when the ice is applied, the depilatory is caused to thoroughly embrace and grip the hairs throughout their exposed length.

The skin from which the hair has been removed 3 is smooth and non-irritated. When the skin is examined through a magnifying glass, it is apparent that the shortest and finest hairs as well as the long coarse hairs have been pulled out and not merely broken at the surface of the skin. Because of the soothing and beneficial effect of the oil of the product upon the skin, the skin does not become tender or sore even after relatively frequent applications over "the same areas. Because of the chilling of the skin at the time the hair is pulled out and the soothing action of the composition, the operation is substantially painless. Thus the new product and method can be used safely and painlessly to remove hair from ordinarily sensitive areas of the body, as for example from under the arms or from above the mouth.

As heretofore indicated, the paste is preferably spread on a waterproof cloth and ice is applied directly to the outer surface of the cloth. If the ice, or other chilling agent, is placed in a thermally conducting container, as for example a metal drum, then it is not necessary that the cloth be waterproof. Where a container for the chilling agent is used, the walls of the container should be thin enough to insure rapid cooling of the paste and skin.

From the above description it will be apparent that the depilatory of the present invention combines the best features of both types of depilatories now on the market without the drawbacks of either. Like the sulphide products, it is in paste form and hence easy to apply, but unlike the sulphide products, it is odorless and completely harmless to the skin. It pulls out, rather than disintegrates, the hair, thus obviating a stubbly regrowth and lengthening the time interval between applications. In this respect the new product is like the solid depilatories on the market, but in other respects it differs vitally therefrom. N0 preliminary heating is required and consequently the ever-present danger of injury to the skin by burning is eliminated. The soothing efiect of the oil upon the skin plus the use of ice or other cooling agent during application prevents inflammation or harm to the skin while the hairs are being pulled out.

The proportions of the ingredients of the new preparation, given in the specific example, are those preferred but might be varied without materially impairing the quality of the product. It is only necessary that suificient oil be used to keep the product in paste form at ordinary room temperatures and that the amount of rosin and wax be such that the hair is firmly gripped at the low temperature engendered during chilling. Ordinary natural rosin is preferably used. Instead of beeswax, paraffin or other wax of similar characteristics may be used.

Mineral oil will keep longer in proper condition than vegetable oil, and it is preferred to use the former.

The following is claimed:

1. A depilatory containing rosin and a nondrying oil and a small amount of Wax, the amount of oil being more than half the amount of rosin.

2. A depilatory paste comprising rosin, beeswax and mineral oil in the following proportions:

Ounces Rosin 1O Beeswax Mineral oil 6 MARTHA E. BUFF. 

